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The fins look to be set at three of five offensive line positions for 2009. From the Sun-Sentinel-

Right tackle Vernon Carey signed an extension that will allow the Miami native and former University of Miami standout to remain one of the bookends on the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line opposite Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long.

A league source said the new contract is a six-year deal that could pay Carey as much as $42 million if all incentives are reached. The signing bonus was not disclosed but Carey’s new contract guarantees him $15 million.

The Miami Dolphins opted not to place the franchise tag on the four-year starter Thursday because the feeling was all parties were close to finalizing a long-term deal that will allow the former first-round pick to possibly finish his career with the NFL team he cheered for as a child.

Carey, who is 27, started 59 straight games for the Miami Dolphins and would have been in demand if he hit the open market because quality tackles rarely become free agents.

The signing is a good move. Miami paid too much for Carey when they drafted him in 2004. His performance level just isn’t what you would hope for from a player selected 19th in the draft. Compounding this is the fact Miami got head faked into trading up because they feared Carey wouldn’t be there with the 20th pick. The Dave Wannstedt era in Miami was full of many such dumb draft decisions.

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